Activities in Kinabalu National Park
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Liwagu Trail
The 6km Liwagu Trail, which follows the Liwagu River, is the most rewarding trail around park HQ, and it's a great option for those who just can't face the trek up Mt Kinabalu. It's a pretty easy walk, but there are few drop-offs which make it unsuitable for children below eight years of age, and those with fear of heights.
The start is 200m before Timpohon Gate (you can catch a minivan from HQ to the starting point). It's very straightforward until the last kilometre or so (just as you get back to the park base area). At one point, you come to a junction where you could go left (downhill) but the trail is closed off. Do not go downhill here. Follow the arrows marked 'Sil…
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Mt Kinabalu Summit Climb
Thousands of people of all ages climb Mt Kinabalu every year. It can be close to freezing near the summit but if the weather is clear on your summit day, you'll be rewarded with an incredible view that starts with the otherworldly summit plateau and extends across all of northern Borneo and the islands of southern Palawan, in the Philippines.
Climbing Mt Kinabalu is a two-day exercise for most people. The usual routine involves starting around 08:00 on the first day, taking a minivan to Timpohon Gate and walking four to six hours to reach Laban Rata at 3273m where you spend the night. On the following day you rise at around 03:00 and climb to the summit in time to catch t…
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Walking Marked Trails
It's well worth spending a day exploring the marked trails around park HQ; if you have time, it may be better to do it before you climb the mountain, as chances are you won't really feel like it afterwards.
All the trails link up with others at some stage, so you can spend the whole day, or indeed days, walking at a leisurely pace through the beautiful forest. Some interesting plants, plenty of birds and, if you're lucky, the occasional mammal can be seen. When it rains, watch out for slippery paths and legions of leeches.
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Guided Walk
At 11:00 each day a guided walk starts from the park office and lasts for one to two hours. The knowledgeable guide points out flowers, plants, birds and insects along the way. If you set out from KK early enough, it's possible to arrive at the park in time for the guided walk.
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Silau Silau Trail
The Silau Silau Trail is an easy 940m, 30-minute trail through centre of the HQ area, along Silau Silau creek. It's mostly flat and easy to walk, making it suitable for most people, including children. It's makes a nice before- or after-dinner stroll.
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Kiau View Trail
The Kiau View Trail is a more challenging 2.34km, 80-minute trail along a ridge on the west side of the HQ area. There are a few ups and downs on this route. You can combine this with the Silau Silau Trail to make a good loop.
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